Soccer players from Western and Mason high schools go high into the air attempting to control the soccer ball during a Division 2 district semifinal at the Panther Bowl at WHS. Photo by Jeff Steers, JTV Sports.
By Jeff Steers
JTV Sports
More than 30 years of angst ended with a simple header in front of the net Tuesday.
Western High School defeated Mason 2-0 in the waning seconds of the second half to advance in the Michigan High School Athletic Association Division 2 district tournament at home Tuesday.
The Panthers advanced to face Chelsea in the Division 2 district final at home on Thursday beginning at 6:30 p.m.
Winning a district match has been a long time coming against the four-time state champions from Mason.
“They have been knocking us out of districts for more than 30 years … going back to when I was in school,” WHS Coach Scott Watterson said. “They have had out number … it means that much.”
The two teams were locked in a scoreless battle the first 79 minutes of action. Mason could only muster three shots in the first half while Western could not get a shot on goal in the first 40 minutes of action.
A more patient Western team controlled the ball and the clock in the second half, but the Panthers still could not get the ball past Mason goalie Noah Stambaugh.
On the other side of the field, Michael Herrington of Western was holding his own. He was not challenged to make the great save in the contest.
“Our back line did such a great job,” Watterson said. “We were ready to play tonight.”
Western outshot Mason 6-3 in the second half, but it took them nearly 40 minutes to score. Senior Caleb Griffith directed a header into the net to start the celebration for the Panthers.
“It just happened so fast,” Griffith said. “This means everything to us after being beaten badly by Mason last year.”
Griffith used his 6-foot, 3-inch frame to get above everyone on the play.
“You can’t teach height,” Watterson said.
Western got the ball back as Mason gambled on a play, and Trey Cottingham put the ball past the Mason goalie as time ran out.
Western improves to 16-3 overall and notched its 11th shutout of the season by Herrington.
Watterson said the Panthers will look at tape tomorrow (Wednesday) and be ready to play Thursday in the district final.
The Western district champion will compete against the Dearborn Divine Child district winner at Novi Meadow Stadium at 5 p.m. on Oct. 23 in the regional semifinal.
